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John Rothenstein (1901-1992), Art historian and Director of the Tate Gallery; son of Sir William Rothenstein

Sir John Knewstub Maurice Rothenstein

Sitter in 43 portraitsRothenstein was an art historian and director of the Tate Gallery from 1938 until 1964, where he supervised the evacuation of works of art during the Blitz. Son of the artist Sir William Rothenstein, he was an enthusiastic supporter of contemporary British artists, which at times proved controversial. His books include monographs of the artists Edward Burra and Augustus John, Modern English Painters (1952-74) and several volumes of autobiography.